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Thanksgiving Spirit,

All Month Long

by Karen Coney Coplin

hether we are gathering with
3. Many of us have been tested in the past year with challenging
loved ones around the table or
times, grieving losses and adapting to change. We may need to lean
W comfortably tucked away in
on others as well as to look within for the strength to stay hopeful.
a favorite chair at home, appreciating life's
2. And with these supports, know that every helping hand- whether
blessings can be as simple as giving thanks.
dishing out mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving, or sitting silently
Expressing gratitude has a way of lifting us up
next to you with their palm clasped to yours, brightens our spirits
even in hard times or on hard days. Especially
and strengthens our humanity.
so during November, when we celebrate
1. Just as many will bow their heads at Thanksgiving, each new
Thanksgiving and the arrival of the holiday season. November day offers a fresh opportunity to live in grace and
Here are 10 ways to keep that Thanksgiving spirit alive and well
gratitude.
long after the holiday has passed:
This November, may we all have the ability to slow down and
10. Enjoy the comforts of home: hopefully a setting of
reflect on the warmth of friendship and family, the stories that we
familiarity and belonging. A place for each
share, and the homes that hold all of these.
of us, where gratitude takes root. Also, I wanted to take a moment of peaceful
9. The changing seasons are a reminder that condolence and deep appreciation for the
renewal is coming. In Naples, we do not get
legacy of the talented late artist, Phil Fisher,
to enjoy traditional foliage, yet, we can herald whose colorful works of art appeared countless
the end of hurricane season. times on the cover of this magazine. He will
8. Think about the connections which be missed. Phil had a kind and gentle and
lift you up and sustain you. These are our humorous spirit, which will shine brightly amid
friendships and family and community ties. all the beauty he brought into this world.
It could be our neighbors or our colleagues, -I'm abundantly thankful to call Naples
too. All of these make us feel grounded. my home and
7. At Thanksgiving, we can share laughter to connect with you here.
and stories and even tears too. One of my Let's shine together!
favorite sayings: joys shared are doubled and
Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com
sorrows shared are halved.
with suggestions for future article coverage, which is
6. The bounty of Thanksgiving often means
often centered on charitable organizations in Naples
that meals are prepared from handed-down
and the programs/services these groups offer.
recipes, with a loving and personalized
To receive a copy of the full text of Emily
touch. Equally so, breaking store-bought
Dickinson's poem about hope; or with suggestions
bread or rolls together is also a symbol of
for future articles, especially about charitable
sharing and caring.
organizations with new programs or ongoing
5. No act of kindness is ever wasted, whether
programs needing a spotlight.
large or small. These are the reminders of the
Additionally, for more vignettes about life
good within us and all around us. Look for
in Naples, give her a follow on Instagram @
these. Comment upon them. Be a part.
Naplesbythenumbers
4. Cooler mornings at sunrise and the magnificence of fall
sunsets in Naples are gentle reminders to slow down in a
peaceful setting far larger than ourselves.

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